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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Golden State Warriors succumbed to the Denver Nuggets in their recent clash. The defending champions seized control early and maintained momentum throughout. Nikola Jokic delivered a monumental performance with 37 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 27 points. On the contrary, Stephen Curry had an off night, scoring 20 points with a 6/19 shooting.

In the post-game interaction, Curry diverted from the narrative of being fatigued from carrying the Warriors’ load. Furthermore, he recognized the expectation for him to step up every night, a standard he has set for himself. Reflecting on the shooter’s mindset, Curry emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence in shooting, regardless of misses.

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The Warriors find themselves in desperate need of every possible victory, currently sitting at the 10th spot in the highly competitive Western Conference, with a significant gap from a playoff position. The post-All-Star stretch in the NBA typically sees aging stars opting for rest to keep their bodies fresh for the playoffs. However, due to the Warriors’ limited depth, Curry is consistently called upon to bring his A-game to the court.

In the recent interview, Curry’s demeanor is nothing like the early December post-game presser, where an exhausted Curry expressed frustration with the team’s losses and simply yearned for victories. With that, Warriors fans can rejoice as their favorite star expresses confidence in shaking off the slump soon.

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Chris Paul can soon ease Stephen Curry’s burden

As one of the premier point guards in the league, Chris Paul came to the Warriors for his slick on-ball skills and unparalleled basketball IQ. However, with challenges around their star players, Paul has yet to fully showcase his dominance due to limited playing time. Nevertheless, he has seamlessly integrated with the roster, providing valuable contributions across various lineups. Notably, he has proven effective even when sharing the court with Stephen Curry, a pre-season point of uncertainty.

Currently recovering from a left-hand fracture, Paul is eager to return to the lineup soon, injecting a fresh offensive dynamic into the Warriors’ play. Beyond his scoring prowess, Paul’s reliability as a ball handler can alleviate a significant burden on Steph, allowing him to unleash his off-ball moves and leave defenders in the dust.

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Additionally, he can provide cohesion and leadership to the second unit on the court, offering valuable breathing time for Steph and other stars during intense games. Paul is already practicing with the team and can return to the court within the next week. Set to return during their upcoming road-trip, fans can expect to see him wear the jersey before the March 3 game against the Boston Celtics.

Read More: Leaving Dwyane Wade in the Dirt, Stephen Curry Continues to Climb All-Time Ladder